Pakistan Independence Day celebrations to go virtual amid Covid-19

Pakistani expatriates across Dubai have been urged to celebrate their nation's 74th Independence Day today from the comfort of their homes.

While Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai will have a flag hoisting ceremony, Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) will host a two-hour live programme on Facebook to mark the celebrations virtually.

Dr Faisal Ikram, president of PAD, said the association will not hold any physical celebrations or gatherings like it usually did every year on Pakistan's Independence Day. "Keeping in mind the health and safety of all, we will not be hosting any gatherings or programmes on our premises. However, we will be having virtual festivities from 5pm to 7pm on Friday. The highlight of our online celebrations will be the virtual tour of the Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC) - a not-for-profit medical centre that is open to all nationalities."

And the flags are up! Don't forget to tune in tomorrow LIVE on our Facebook page as we finally unveil our landmark project for #overseaspakistanis in the UAE including the #Pakistan Medical Centre!#PakistanZindabad #PakistanIndependenceDayhttps://t.co/xXv5aHMSt3 pic.twitter.com/XxDtIAwYkO

- Pakistan Association Dubai (@dubai_pad) August 13, 2020

Dr Faisel said after the virtual tour, the facility will be open to the community. He added that the PAD has queued up online competitions as part of the celebrations.

"An online creativity competition - Reflection of Pakistan - where people create or paint 3D models of famous landmarks will be held and the final winner will be announced on our Facebook page," he said.

"An online social media campaign has been launched for Pakistani expats to share photos and videos of their homes decorated in patriotic fervour using the hashtag #PehchanPakistan on social media. Apart from this, we will also be airing a talk on Pakistan and its future by acclaimed Pakistani scholar Zahid Azeem," Dr Faisal said.

saman@khaleejtimes.com